The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has issued a partial grant of maritime area consent to Donegal County Council for a proposed tidal swimming pool and elevated coastal walkway at Buncrana Harbour on Lough Swilly, adding to plans for the future of Ireland's harbours.
The decision, dated 22 October 2026, concerns application MAC260009, submitted on 9 March, and marks a further regulatory step for the proposed waterfront development.
The plans envisage a tidal swimming pool and an elevated walkway connecting Buncrana Harbour with the existing coastal path, as part of the wider Repowering Buncrana regeneration scheme.
Exclusive Use Restricted
MARA's decision covers a maritime area of approximately 10,531 square metres, with a consent term of 50 years.
The partial grant relates to the council's request for exclusive use of the maritime area. MARA determined that exclusive occupation throughout the consent period was not justified.
Instead, the consent provides for exclusive use only where the circumstances and other necessary authorisations require it.
The partial grant does not mean that the tidal swimming pool or walkway has been rejected.
Planning Permission Still Required
The council must submit an application for development permission within 18 months of the maritime consent grant.
The MAC decision is therefore not planning permission and does not authorise construction to begin.
The project forms part of Donegal County Council's wider waterfront regeneration proposals, which the council has indicated are supported through the Rural Regeneration Fund.
No construction commencement date has been established in the MARA determination.
The decision follows other maritime activity at Buncrana Harbour, including previously notified plough dredging operations, although those works are separate from the proposed tidal pool and walkway.
The MARA application and determination record lists the decision as a part grant subject to conditions.
